Rip City Project
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Portland Trail Blazers: A Potential Trade With Every NBA Team

By Spencer Poole

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers
Nicolo Melli, New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans

Why It Makes Sense for the Portland Trail Blazers

A lot like Hezonja, Melli is an inconsistent player but his strong suits fit better for Portland’s needs.

When he’s on Melli is a lights-out three-point shooter. During his hottest stretch of play in January and February, he shot nearly 50 percent from deep while averaging nearly ten points per game. For a big man, Melli possesses well above average court vision, a trait that the Trail Blazers like in their big men. His 2.8 assists per 36 minutes ranked 2nd on the Pelicans among power forwards and centers.

Although he is far from an incredible shot-blocker, Melli still provides above-average defense and is more than capable of guarding fellow big men off the bench. For Portland, he will provide a veteran bench presence at an affordable price who can bring quality shooting and defense off the bench.

Why It Makes Sense for New Orleans:

While Melli was a capable bench player last season, he’ll be turning 30 soon which doesn’t match up well with the Pelicans timeline.

Bringing in Mario Hezonja gives the Pelicans a former top 5 pick who is still young enough to have not yet hit his theoretical peak. While he is wildly inconsistent, his do-it-all attitude can come in handy in short bursts off the bench. If he realizes the potential that seems to have eluded him in recent years, Hezonja could become a valuable piece of the Pelicans young core alongside Zion, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and others.